Brehaut Named Starter for Oregon State
by gbruin on Sep 18, 2011 8:17 PM PDT
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PrintJon Gold wrote tonight that Rick Neuheisel has named Rich Brehaut the starter for this Saturday's game against Oregon State.
UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel said on his conference call with reporters on Sunday night that junior quarterback Richard Brehaut would get the start against Oregon State, but qualified the statement by saying it was a week-to-week decision.
Brehaut has completed 37-of-68 attempts for 559 yards and three touchdowns this season with zero interceptions and a quarterback rating of 138.0. Prince is 6-of-10 for 84 yards and three interceptions with a rating of 70.6
After Saturday's performance, no one should be surprised by this decision, other than the fact that Neuheisel made a decision in public after all. His "week-to-week" statement is a big problem for me, as it shows Neuheisel's reluctance to make a firm decision, and continues the uncertainty within the leadership of this program. But I'll take one week for the moment. While Prince may understandably be disappointed in this decision, he must recognize that it is the right one. He must also understand that he is very likely to be needed at some point in the future, and that we will be counting on him to be ready when the situation calls for him.
Based on a recent article from Peter Yoon, this decision will be also welcomed by Offensive Coordinator Mike Johnson.
UCLA has occasionally looked very good on offense, but other times it looks brilliant, on others it looks like a jumbled mess. Prince and Brehaut have different styles, different cadences to their signal calling, and different timing with their throws and different chemistry with different receivers.
"It didn’t work today," offensive coordinator Mike Johnson said of the question mark-at-quarterback plan. "As a coordinator, you’d like to see it end. But you’ve got to keep working through it."
I read that last line as a subtle complaint against the chaos that Neuheisel has caused for Coach Johnson, whose offensive unit has provided the majority of bright spots this season. Hopefully, by making this decision early in the week, it will provide some continuity and stability for the team as it regroups from the Texas beating and shifts its focus to preparation for the Beavers. As frustrated as we all are with the start of this season, and with the continuation of the problems of the Neuheisel regime and the Guerrerror era, I will not give up on these kids. They are smart, talented, character kids, and they just need a good leader to show them the way.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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About time
but the week to week thing needs to be put to rest.
by BlueReign on Sep 18, 2011 8:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
+12
It’s on Richard now to show RN that the controversy is put to rest. He performs, he’s the starter for the rest of the season, no more questions asked.
"The true athlete should have character, not be a character."- John Wooden
"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation."- Michael Jordan
twitter:@GGolden87
Excellent point about the offensive line
According to the good news Press Flacks at Morgan Center, the QB sack of Richard by Texas’ Emmanuel Acho in the fourth quarter was the first of the year.
That and Derrick Coleman and the improvement of our kicking game are the only joyous news of a dreadful start of the season. Call me Pollyana, but I refuse to give up.
Go Bruins!
LOL at "good news press flack"
Love your posts Peggy.
by Nestor on Sep 19, 2011 5:07 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That wasn't good news at all
I realized that was the first sack at the time, and it made me even more frustrated. I liked our 0 INT, 0 sack statline going into that game. =(
Seems like
they really timed the snap on that play…maybe even jumped it. Overall, I think the line held up pretty well, specially considering the heat Texas was bringing all game.
Retweeted
Richard retweeted the BN tweet about this entry. So he is reading. On the one hand, it’s really cool to think of the players being a part of this community. On the other, it’s sad they have to see the sloppy, sobbing mess their fans can be after a loss.
For any players reading, we cherish you. For all the complaining we do on the couch, we know you work your hardest and want to win more than any of us. Thanks for not selling trophies for tattoos, or committing double homicide. You make us proud, even if this community sometimes doesn’t express that.
by might on Sep 18, 2011 8:54 PM PDT reply actions 9 recs
+1 Million
They are high level athletes and have dealt with praise and criticism and ultra-high standards for their play their whole lives. They can handle and/or ignore what we say about their game.
We fans may get upset about the scoreboard, but we are always proud of our Bruin student-athletes.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Actually, we express gratitude for the players a great deal.
We ask why certain players are not playing over unproductive starters. Even when criticizing guys like Prince and Craft we will make mention of the great sacrifices they have made. Prince’s re-entry into the Texas game last year; Craft’s pounding game after game. We cherish them out loud here, if not blowing sunshine up their you know what.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
Rich
This is your team. Take it to the next level. Keep showing your leadership. Many many fans are behind u!
by robotchampion on Sep 18, 2011 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Absolutely
I can’t help but think these guys are just kids. But I’ll be there with my bbq cheering them on wearing blue even if some people have jumped the bandwagon. I was an Angels fan in the 90’s and I was rewarded with a World Series Championship in 2002. Our Bruins will come around and the naysayers can suck it.
by AnteatersandBruins on Sep 19, 2011 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
It's always a bit amusing that you have ...
50.000 out of shape fans yelling and screeming at 22 young men doing amazingly complex mental and physical feats.
Much kudos and respect to every member of this UCLA BRUIN FB squad.
by GogetemBruins on Sep 19, 2011 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm tellin ya, this "week-to-week" bit means Rick flat out doesn't like or doesn't trust Brehaut.
There is no other logical explaination for not naming Bre the permanent starter. None.
U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight! Go Bruins!
Go Lakers! Go Dodgers! Go Angels!
Brehaut stands up to Rick
He calls him on his bullshit, and he’s probably pissed at him for the way he’s been treated and for CRN’s decision to switch to the Pistol after recruiting him. Richard was a highly recruited QB out of high school and could have gone to other schools. He committed to CRN and hasn’t had his backing at all.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
That being said... we betta not see Bre get the early hook... unless he throws like 3 picks.
U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight! Go Bruins!
Go Lakers! Go Dodgers! Go Angels!
Correction
Your analysis is accurate…but CRN said “weak to weak”.
You're right. It was a phone call
“It’s a weak, too weak decision.” is also an interpretation.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
One of the more interesting Pac games this week
Sure it’s between two bottom teams, but I know both fanbases are wondering which is worse. I feel for you guys, but I’m not gonna lie – as a Beaver, I think this game is our most likely win left on the schedule. No idea what’s going to happen, though.
Beaver Nation is panicking over one mediocre year and a bad start, and I can only imagine what it must be like down in LA, reading all these posts and considering the record.
Brehaut sounds like the way to go since he’s (I think?) the better passer, and our secondary is atrocious so far. We’re actually doing all right on rush defense, but pass defense? Ugh.
It will be interesting.
10 bucks says
we start the game with two runs up the middle, your weak secondary be damned!
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Or Brehaut could just decideon his own to change the play and toss a long bomb
downfield on the first play.
Then glare at Rick and say
“What are you gonna do about it”
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Yeah but he would only spot him 2 ints
instead of three.
by GogetemBruins on Sep 19, 2011 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Only if Brehaut decides to run on his
own. Somehow I don’t see the coaches calling that play first off.
Because that's what
the QB is for, running the ball. What next, Running Backs that only throw the ball?
Well, maybe running backs that throw the ball on occasion
It was once a great feature of Bruin football during a previous lifetime, as I recall. Anyway, Bruin football as its been for the last several years makes it seem like a previous lifetime.
Interesting like a train wreck
I’m surprised to see you guys struggling so much, too, as I think you have a great coach running your program. I think it speaks to how easy it is for teams to bounce between good and bad with just a few key players or a few key plays being the difference.
It also speaks to the leadership and excellence required for teams to have sustained success, or in our case sustained mediocrity.
Good luck to you guys this week, scotty256.
greg in denver, U.C.L.A. guy for life - BruinsNation.com
Thanks, you too
The good news is someone’s getting a win!
Well, I hope you guys win out...
…right after we’re through with you. Either way, here’s to the underdogs getting their day.
I am truly disappoiinted in CTSS
Brehaut is the starter, but it’s week to week. So maybe he’s not the starter. Maybe I’ll go scout the pick up games behind the dorms. Or if Prince throws a good pass in practice. But don’t get me wrong. I’m behind Brehaut a solid 10%. But I’ll drop him like a bad habit if I feel like it.
CTSS, I think this “week to week” comment is unquestionably the douchiest thing you have ever said. I hope you were misquoted, because that does not sound like a coach with passion. That sounds like a coach who is about ready to start throwing players under the bus to keep his job, a la, CTS.
Week to Week - Rick trying to keep the opponent guessing!
Rick has to realize that the opponent isn’t scared of the Bruins. What is more important is that he takes control and instills certainty and confidence in the program. He really needs some media training in regards to the demeanor in which he now communicates. Where’s Tony Robbins?
How about a JK McKay type role in the UCLA football program?
We need someone to specifically oversee the football program and make Rick accountable. This would prevent sloppy coaching or at least tolerating that from flaws in the styles of Toledo, Dorrell, and RN. It would also keep a future maverick like Rick Leach from getting out of hand.
It would also send a message to everyone (players, coaches, alumni, and fans that UCLA has decided to get serious about football – and yes we’re the greatest college at all the sports that don’t matter)
I volunteer
My tenure would be one day long. I would fire CTSS immediately. Then I would find someone who has all the phone numbers I need and I would start calling guys. Before noon I would have CTSS’s replacement. Then I would resign, because the right coach wouldn’t need my position of overseer. OK, it might take until the afternoon, because I don’t know who to call to get the list of phone numbers.
by Fox 71 on Sep 19, 2011 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Look, we are all hoping that...
this move naming RB starter devlopes more cohesiveness with offense. We all pretty much admire and respect what these young men are doing…but something is fundamentally wrong with what’s going on in westwood.This isn’t on the players…it’s about players being used inappropriately for the system that’s in place.
You don’t need to be with RN breaking down film to see that UCLA’s plays are so very slow in devloping.If your offense is predicated on deception…it better have a speed component to go along with it otherwise it’s counter productive.
Positions that need a serious upgrade in speed are QB,receivers. No offense to RB or KP. It’s like having Usaine Bolt running the mile. It’s just the wrong application.
Having said that…best of luck against OSU.
Deception
Wait a second, you mean that our pistol offense is supposed to be deceptive?
All kidding aside, I thought Texas did a fantastic job of using a combination of deception and speed. Our defense (no apologies here for our lousy D) was forced to stay in position because of their deception, and by the time we figured out who had the ball, some freshman with a load of speed was already on his way to big chunks of yardage around the corner.
With UCLA, we seem to have the formation to be deceptive, but don’t really sell it well. We also seem to have the speed to make it work, yet it seems that speed is not being utilized to take advantage of the deception. That is, assuming the speed isn’t stuck on the sidelines.
by bornagainbruin on Sep 19, 2011 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
BTW...
“RN still has no plans to use Hundley this early in the season” according to Jon Gold. That could change rather rapidly if OSU wins.
Rumors
are that he’s going to play next week. special package built for him…doesn’t matter unless he can play DT or LB.
Hopefully the "special package"...
…will work work a little better than the attempt to go hurry up against UT. I could see them calling a timeout to get the Hundley package in then forgetting to send Hundley in to run it.
rofl =(
your comment just had me imagining us getting a 12 men on the field penalty because both Brehaut and Hundley run onto the field out of a time out. This is of course impossible, as Hundley will not be the cause of a penalty on UCLA, ever.
This is of course impossible, as Hundley will not be the cause of a penalty on UCLA, ever.
because, if he’s the 12th man ordered on to the field you can be sure his coach will be the cause.
If OSU does win, why waste Hundly at that point,
and I doubt he can make up for the deficiencies of our defense. As someone else posted on another thread, he should red-shirt and await a real coach come next season.
Not If but When
OSU had the week off, and they have a coach who knows what he’s doing, vs. a coach with, I think, only one conference road victory.
The only saving grace might be that it is an away game in the middle of nowhere. Exactly what the doctor ordered after a humiliating loss at home.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
With our secondary...
that’s a scary thought,
Reine Seite…I am very much hoping that your comment about plays developing faster now that RB is first string will pan out. Skeptical…but hoping.
by GogetemBruins on Sep 19, 2011 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Price should be up to the task
if the scheme will allow him to be. Even though Rodgers may be back, it’ll still be his first game back coming off major knee surgery.
I wish our defense would actually learn to hit people
during the play and not after.
Speed at QB
would be nice, I guess, but where is it supposed to come from? I am tired of the revolving QB thing and think we should just go with Brehaut. Prince is faster but ran very cautiously against Texas, and again played before he should have, if that lollipop he tossed on the first interception is any indicator of his shoulder condition. Neuheisel is understandably reluctant to burn the redshirt, and our real problem is on defense. The more Brehaut plays, the faster plays should develop, seems to me. Oh, yes, I must say that I fear Oregon State, and everybody else. OSU has a runner, two passers and a coach. Of course we should win easily, but… Bruin fans know the rest.
Time for a novel idea!
The one thing I love about RN is his passion for UCLA. He is a great representative of our school and all that it stands for. Something has happened to Rick and I can’t put my finger on it. Since his stints at Colorado, UDub and the Ravens, he’s gone the Leorard Toes route. He’s lost it as a football coach.
I do not want to lose that passion for our school. How’s this for an idea. We want to get rid of DG as our AD. Why not can DG and make Rick the new AD. Then we can take some of the $27 Mil from the new TV contract and go out and get a coach that will win some games on Saturday afternoons.
Passion
Tired of hearing about ricks passion. Haven’t seen it so far. If he had passion he would have said Sunday " this stops now. Monday practice every position is open for competion best player plays regardless of year" He need to step up and lead, he is staring to sound like a pop Warner coach talking to parents at the end of the game pizza party… " don’t worry I’ll get your kid in the game it’s not fair he sucks but he tries hard so he’ll play"
I have a real problem with The Rick taking over at AD.
We heard he interfered with Chow. We certainly see he is holding his players back. I can’t imagine a top tier coach wanting to coach our Bruins with The Rick looking over his shoulders, telling him how to run the program.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
Oreg St
If we lose to the Oreg St, I would not want RN to finish out the season. Put Johnson in, whatever. but a 1-3 start, losing to the worst team in the Pac, and no consequences coming out of it would be unbearable.
That's the reason I want to end this now.
Have someone else coach the team on Saturday. We can’t be any worse off, and we might win. With this leadership, or actually non-leadership, I think we’ll lose. (I think we were very fortunate to get past SJSU.)
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